1SG THOMAS "TOM" HOWELL, JR., RET

Thomas "Tom" Howell, Jr., of Crocker, was born on August 21, 1939, at Guion, Arkansas, a son of Marion Thomas and Effie Elizabeth (Langston) Howell, and went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:50 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the University Hospital and Clinics, Columbia. Mr. Howell had attained the age of 75 years, 8 months, and 14 days.

Mr. Howell was first united in marriage to Holly Sue Cline, and to this union one daughter, Mary was born. He was later united in marriage on March 30, 1984, at Swedeborg to Norma Corrine Frazier. Mr. Howell was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Effie; and one brother, Jimmy Joe Moser.

Mr. Howell was a retired United States Army veteran having served 21 years, retiring as a 1SG on November 1, 1978. He was a Licensed Practical Nurse during his Army career being stationed in many places to include France, Germany, Thailand and Korea, earning many awards and commendations.

Mr. Howell was baptized early in life in the White River in Guion, Arkansas and at the time of his passing he had faithfully attended the Crocker Christian Church for several years. He was a lifetime member of the Crocker VFW Post No. 4956 and the Disabled veterans, Waynesville. Mr. Howell enjoyed going to auctions, searching for antiques, and being with his family and friends.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Howell include: his wife Norma Howell, of the home near Crocker; one son, Dale Wayne Wilkes, Holts Summit; four daughters, Mary Blevins, Jefferson City; Susan Purvis, Osage Beach; Carol Crumley, Pueblo, Colorado and Jackie Loveall, Crocker; one sister, Patricia Pratt, Crocker; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild expected in three weeks; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Howell at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015, in the Crocker Christian Church, with Larry Richardson officiating.

Interment with full military honors was in the Crocker Public Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Howell were Collin Travis Blevins, Dillon Thomas Blevins, Mason Storm Blevins, Jeremy Loveall, Cory Wayne Wilkes and Bob Dierks.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the Crocker Christian Church Bus Fund with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker.